Biosynthesis

Name:
Biosynthesis
Detailed information:
(1) Natural synthesis of organic compounds by plants and animals. For plants, this includes not only photosynthetic formation of carbohydrates and protein synthesis by means of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, but also a wide range of specialized organic compounds that are specific to individual species; many of these are poisonous. Animals and humans synthesize certain amino acids, hormones, cholesterol, etc. Some types (snakes, fish, toads, etc.) synthesize unique and powerful toxic principles.(2) This term is also applied to such research achievements as synthesis of edible single-cell proteins by fermentation and gene-splicing techniques.See Protein, Single-cell; Genetic Engineering; Biotechnology.